Scientists Research Superheated Rocks at Depths of Nearly 10km as a Potential Renewable Energy Source to Replace Fossil Fuels.
As the world shifts towards renewable energy, geothermal energy is receiving significant attention. Geothermal power plants typically harness heat from the Earth’s surface. However, scientists are now focusing on a more powerful source of geothermal energy: superheated rocks.
Steam rising from an industrial geothermal power plant in Southern California, USA. (Photo: iStock).
A recent report from a research team at Cornell University and the Clean Air Task Force (CATF) highlights the potential of superheated rocks as a significant renewable energy source, providing abundant, reliable, and cost-effective electricity, according to Interesting Engineering on December 9.
Traditional geothermal energy sources are limited to areas with high heat flow near the Earth’s surface—typically close to tectonic plate boundaries. However, new technology is enabling more regions to access geothermal energy by tapping into superheated rocks.
Superheated rocks are located deep within the Earth’s crust, heated to temperatures exceeding 374 degrees Celsius. To harness this energy, deep drilling into the Earth’s crust is required, with water pumped into the hot rocks. The water is heated and then returns to the surface as steam. This steam can be used to generate electricity or produce hydrogen.
In 2022, Cornell University drilled an exploratory well 3.2km deep to study the potential of this geothermal energy source. However, to effectively harness energy from superheated rocks, drilling must reach depths of at least 9.7km.
To safely access energy from superheated rocks, the research team emphasizes the need for careful site selection and a thorough understanding of subsurface conditions. Geothermal projects rely heavily on detailed information about temperature, pressure, water flow, and rock properties. Additionally, significant advancements in equipment and drilling techniques are needed to reduce risks and enhance efficiency.
“Unlike other renewable energy technologies that can be easily scaled, geothermal electricity production is highly location-dependent, leading to certain risks and posing major barriers to commercial development. By identifying advanced technologies and research and development opportunities, we hope to overcome these obstacles and accelerate the commercial development of this technology,” said Seth Saltiel, co-author of the new report.
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